Named by John Palliser in 1858. Rundle, Reverend Robert (Rev. Rundle was a missionary who visited the Banff area during the 1840's.) Official name. Other names Terrace Mountain; Waskahigan Watchi (Cree) meaning "House Mountain." (info from peakfinder.com)

On Canada's birthday I decided to celebrate by doing a scramble. Originally I had planned Isabelle Peak with Dave Stephens but when that fell through I decided to salvage the day with an easier but just as long outing. I have to say that this is a very unexciting scramble. A large portion of your time is spent in the trees and when you finally do reach tree line you still have over 600 meters of elevation gain to go! I'm surprised more tourists don't slip down the slab section and do involuntary BASE jumps down the side but I guess most people must manage it.

Speaking of tourists, I met quite a few people on Rundle compared to most of my scrambles but it did make for some interesting conversation. I spent most of the way up with a fellow named 'Jeff' from Calgary. Around the tree line he started to fall behind and since I had company coming into town and needed to go quickly to get back to Calgary we parted ways and I summitted and came down on my own.

When I was at the top of the mountain the clouds were thick and dark. I don't like the threat of rain / lightening when I'm on a mountain - I've heard too many horror stories of axes buzzing and people getting shocks so I didn't stay up there any longer than I had to.

[Morning mist over the river by Bow Falls.]

[You will see waaayyyy too many of these on the way up Rundle! (Trees)]

[Jeff climbing through the slab / dragon's back section.]

[Two climbers negotiate the dragon's back on the way up.]

[The clouds make a dramatic view as I gain the tree line.]

[Vern on the summit of Rundle Mountain.]

[A panorama to the west from part way down Rundle looking west over Sulfur Mountain. ++]

About Me

My name is Vern Dewit. I moved to Calgary, Alberta (Canada) in 1999 and since then I've fallen in love with the spectacular scenery and grand vistas that open up as you scramble up above treeline on a beautiful fall morning, or make your first cast on some back country stream as the sun throws its golden warmth on surrounding peaks.

Goal

I hope that my trip reports and pictures will inspire you to push your own physical limits whatever those may be. You may be inspired to try scrambling - a sport where you climb mountains via non-technical ascent routes - or you may simply realize what's in your own backyard and go for a short hike somewhere.

Disclaimer / Contact

Read the trip reports carefully and don't simply follow them blindly. Make sure you're within your abilities and if you have any questions don't hesitate to send me an email.